What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Black History Month?” To most, it’s learning about the accomplishments of African Americans in their struggle to outgrow the shadow of slavery along with their fights for civil rights. We study figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, and Ruby Bridges.

Black History Month is a time for recognition of progress as whole, rather than parts of a society. The black community makes achievements every day, not just in the past. The image of Black History needs to change from the clichèd view that Black History Month always has to focus on slavery and civil rights.

It is true, however, that we as a race have come a long way since our oppressed beginnings in America. However, the narrative for this month has to change.

My role model is my aunt, Dr. Bettina Beech, who is a Doctor of Public Health, focusing on reducing obesity and diabetes at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She is a dedicated and hard-working woman who is relentless when it comes to education. For Black History Month, I choose to celebrate my aunt, a heroine for today.

Beech knew she wanted to be a doctor when she was a child. She attended private schools growing up, which she thinks is real foundation of her education. Now as a doctor, she continues to learn as the world changes. She loves her job since, essentially, she’s paid to learn.

Working as the Executive Director of the Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute, she is discovering how to develop a school for the 22nd Century with new cutting edge technology that will improve the learning experience of students in the future.

“My role model growing up was my dad. He was supportive in not just a sense that wouldn’t just encourage us to pursue our fields of work. He would read up and talk to us about them to keep us engaged,” said Beech, “As an aerospace engineer, he was definitely ahead of his time. He kept telling us that there would be eventually computers that could sit on your desk or even in your hand.”

At the time a single computer would fill up an entire room, so the idea of a computer so small was unheard of. 

Her wisdom to me is, “Whatever you do, make sure that it’s something that you love to do. You have to be able to hone your skills in whatever field you work in.”

My freshman year, my aunt and I made a deal. She said that when I graduate high school, then she will give me a basketball signed by Chicago Bulls superstar and NBA legend, Michael Jordan.

While it’s a cool incentive, it’s not what drives me. My goal is to graduate from high school, not with just the bare minimum, but to the best of my ability. Every student, no matter race or gender, needs an education to win the social lottery. Just as my aunt has proved, a strong education can be used to make a difference.

She is my role model for today: a strong African American woman with an interest in science, education and the desire to change the world for the better.